UCF Press Release

November 20, 2002

ORLANDO - UCF is looking to keep its title hopes alive in the Mid-American Conference East Division this week when it plays at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio Saturday at 1 p.m. The Golden Knights (5-5, 4-2) are a game behind second-place Miami (7-4, 5-2) in the win column and can move into a tie for first place by defeating the RedHawks, coupled with a Marshall loss at Ohio. The loser of this week's game between UCF and Miami is eliminated from title contention.

"There are a few things that motivate this football team and the opportunity to be a part of the MAC championship is a goal these guys set before the season," UCF coach Mike Kruczek said. "We want to send a message to the entire conference that we have a competitive football team whether we are playing at home or on the road and obviously we would like to do it against this football team this week."

If UCF wins at Miami this week and Marshall loses at Ohio, UCF can win the East by defeating Ohio in the Citrus Bowl Nov. 30, provided Marshall loses at home to Ball State the same day. UCF is expecting a battle because the RedHawks, coming off a last-minute loss at Marshall on national television Nov. 12, also have a chance to win the MAC's East Division.

"Miami is a great team," quarterback Ryan Schneider said. "Right now, they are the second best team in the East Division of the MAC. We are going to have to prove to them that we are good enough to be in the conference. We are going to have to go out there and earn their respect."
Sunshine Network will televise the game live in the Orlando and Tampa markets. The game will be joined in progress in the remainder of the state at the conclusion of the North Carolina at Duke game (approximately 3:30). The game will be replayed statewide at 8 p.m. Sunday.

There are still four teams alive in the race for the East Division: UCF, Marshall, Miami, and Ohio. The East Division champion will host the championship game Dec. 7, at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN 2. The following are scenarios of how each team could win the division.

*UCF will win the division if it defeats Miami and Ohio, and Marshall loses to Ohio and Ball State.
*Marshall will win the division if it defeats Ohio.
*Ohio will win the division if it defeats Marshall and UCF, and UCF beats Miami.
*Miami will win the division if it beats UCF and Marshall loses to Ohio and Ball
State, or if it defeats UCF and Ohio defeats Marshall and UCF and Marshall beats Ball State.
       
Notes: Michael Gaines has taken over the starting tight end position for the injured Mario Jackson. Jackson broke his right fibula against Kent State Saturday and will miss the remainder of the year. Receiver Darcy Johnson has been moved to tight end and will back up Gaines, while reserve tackle Johnovan Morgan has also been moved to tight end. Meanwhile, reserve tight end Brian Miller returned to practice Tuesday after missing several weeks while undergoing tests on his heart. He is in the process of working his way back into shape and is not expected to travel to Miami this week.

 

Return to Home